Effect of Boko Haram On School Attendance in Northern Nigeria

Article Author:Oladunjoye Patrick (Ph.D), Omemu Felix (Ph.D)

Abstract

The study is aimed at assessing the effect of Boko Haram on school attendance in Northern Nigeria. Three hypothesis was formulated to guide the study. A questionnaire containing 20 items was designed by the researcher. This was validated by experts and tested for reliability using the test – re – test method and data analyzed using the Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient statistics. The instrument was administered to 126 schools randomly selected from schools in states with high rate of Boko Haram insurgency – Yobe, Bauchi and Borno states. The data collected was analysed using the t-test and Analysis of variance (ANOVA) statistics. It was revealed from the results that there is no significant difference in school attendance among male and female pupils / students. There is a significant difference in school attendance among rural and urban schools. There is also a significant difference in school attendance among primary, secondary and tertiary institutions in areas prone to Boko Haram attacks. Based on the findings, recommendations were made which include improved federal government commitment to beef-up security in schools in Northern Nigeria and a special orientation to sensitize the people on security matters in schools